Tegan Schott
Walled Lake, MI
Internship: Human Resources
College: Michigan State University
Year in School: Incoming Senior
Major: Advertising Management, Minor in Professional and Public Writing
Dream Job: Executive Media Planner for Ford Motor Company
What previous experiences do you have that have helped prepare you for your internship?
My classes have greatly prepared me for this internship, even though my hands-on experience in HR is limited. The tasks I’ve worked on—such as presentations, policy writing, infographics, and handbook revisions—align closely with my coursework. Last semester, I took a writing class focused on drafting policies and enhancing a company’s media reach and communications. It’s been incredibly beneficial, and it’s great to be able to apply those skills in this internship.
How does this MMPA internship experience fit into your future career goals?
Even though I know what I eventually want to do, I’m not exactly sure what my next steps are after graduation. This internship is perfect because it gives me experience in my field while letting me explore different areas.
What was your favorite experience working as an MMPA intern?
I genuinely loved meeting everyone and making new friends. The people in the Novi office can attest to how I’ve made an effort to connect with everyone. Being naturally social, I find it inspiring and incredibly helpful to meet so many people who are passionate about their work, as it helps me figure out my own career path.
Trevor Paparella
Brighton, MI
Internship: IT Technician level 1
College: Michigan State University
Year in School: Junior
Major: Computer Science
Dream Job: Working in cyber security, penetration testing
What previous experiences do you have that have helped prepare you for your internship?
I had an internship last summer working in IT.
How does this MMPA internship experience fit into your future career goals?
It helps me gain more experience in IT, which is a steppingstone to getting into cyber security.
What was your favorite experience working as an MMPA intern?
Going to visit the plant down in Middlebury. It was cool to see the process of how the cheese is made.
Ella Cloud Schneider
Caro, MI
Internship: Health and Safety Intern
College: Michigan State University
Year in School: Senior
Major: Animal Science, with a concentration in Dairy Industry
Dream Job: Working in the dairy industry, preferably with genetics/reproduction
How does this MMPA internship experience fit into your future career goals?
My goal this summer was to do something different, this internship provided me with that opportunity. I have been able to experience another area of the industry.
What do you like most about working in the dairy industry?
The people! Whether I am here working at MMPA or out working with a dairy farm during class time, I love seeing the passion people have for this industry. It is so inspiring to see people be proud of what they have worked for and continuously strive to do better.
What was your favorite experience working as an MMPA intern?
I love being able to see a different part of the industry that we do not get to cover enough in school. In just the first couple of days here I was able to learn so much about all the different processes in the plant.
Martin Grinnell
Lake Isabella, MI
Internship: Accounting/Finance
College: University of Michigan
Year in School: Junior
Major: Business Administration
Dream Job: 100% Grass Fed, Organic Dairy Producer
What previous experience did you have that helped prepare you for your internship?
Working as a farm hand for one of our producers when I was in high school gave me crucial insight into how the dairy industry operates. I think it’s important to have a good understanding of the entire “life cycle” of milk when you work in the industry, and having years of hands-on experience with the first step in the process has proven invaluable during my time here.
How does this MMPA internship experience fit into your future career goals?
I believe that having a solid understanding of accounting is incredibly valuable no matter what business or business function you work in. I once was told by a lifelong dairy farmer that farming is first and foremost a business. Being that accounting is often referred to as the language of business, becoming fluent in it is incredibly important to me.
What do you like most about working in the dairy industry?
Without a doubt the most rewarding part about working in the dairy industry is knowing that the work I’m doing will benefit dairy farmers and the dairy industry in some way. Dairy farmers are some of the most hardworking and kind people I have ever met. Anytime I can do something to give back, I am beyond happy to do so, whether it’s in the milking parlor, behind the wheel of a tractor, or in the office.
Riley Simmons
Chesterfield, MI
Internship: Food System Fellowship
College: Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine
Year in School: Rising Senior Year
Major: Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine
Dream Job: Large Animal Veterinarian
How does this MMPA internship experience fit into your future career goals?
This internship opened me up to the world of regulatory work which provided me a new opportunity to scope out for when I am finally able to practice as a veterinarian. Working with regulatory agencies from co-op to state inspectors is an important aspect of being a veterinarian, especially one who wants to work with biosecurity regulations. My ability to take charge of being the biosecurity expert for the field representative team has provided me more opportunities to build my communication skills and learn more about how producers think regarding their disease management protocols which I can take back with me to build better relationships when I become a veterinarian.
What do you like most about working in the dairy industry?
I have loved getting to know producers and learning more about the regulations on how to ship milk.
What was your favorite experience working as an MMPA intern?
My favorite experience has been working with field representatives like Emily Patton to help producers learn more about biosecurity and how they can start implementing plans on their own farms.